Dhaka Drama Festival 2004
A poor presentation by Drishtipat Natyadal
Many Bangladeshi playwrights have adapted 17th century French playwright JBP Moliere's popular playLe Medicine Malgre Luiin a Bangladeshi context. However, in many cases the adapters have failed to express the tone of the play as a Comedy of Morals -- the genre in which Moliere was supreme.
On July 5, Drishtipat Natyadal staged their new production Buddhu, an adaptation of Moliere's Le Medicine Malgre Lui at the Experimental Theatre Stage.
In Dhaka Drama festival 2004, Shatwik Theatre staged the adapted version of the same play a few days back. But the adaptation of Shatwik Theatre's production--Pejgi by Apu Anam cannot be treated as a quality version. However, it could maintain the essence of the Comedy of Morals which are basically designed to ridicule and correct vices like hypocrisy, pride, avarice, social pretensions and nepotism.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Abdul Halim Aziz's adaptation Buddhu by Drishtipat Natyadal has loopholes. First of all, the title Buddhu (nincompoop) is not a suitable one for the genre, which presents hypocrisy and nepotism.
Secondly, if the witty approach to the play is not properly maintained it becomes a simple story of a person who, in disguise, tries to cheat a rich man.
Abdul Halim Aziz should keep in mind that using the dialects of other regions -- the cheap technique to create humour in Bangladesh--cannot always attract the audience. Emphasis should be given to quality plays.
Jahangir Kabir Bakul, as the director needs to develop his skills as do the performers.
Pintu Dev has successfully created the exterior design of a typical house of the Old Dhaka.
Abdul Halim Aziz used general light through out the play.
Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation should think twice before including poor productions in a festival as it aims to make the Experimental Theatre Stage a popular venue.
Rowshan Ara on her play on terrorism
After a long acting career Rowshan Ara Hussain has emerged as a director for a stage play. Rowshan said, 'This is the first time I am directing a play for a theatre group, Nagorik Natyangan Ensemble, which is a member of BGTF. Earlier I directed two plays but not for any professional group. However, everyone appreciated my work. I have tried to present the play in a simple way.'
' I requested Abdullah Al Mamun to write a script for me. And his play Aamar Shantan Aamar Aanchal is a social play based on terrorism, which is a common problem in our society. I think it can successfully present the terrorism of the society and find a way to solve the problem in a simple manner,' Rowshan added.
Rowshan further said, 'In future we will direct more plays for our group. If I get the opportunity I will direct for the other groups as well.'
Ershad Kamol